California Organized Investment Network (COIN) Is a Collaborative Effort Between the California Department of Insurance, the Insurance Industry, Community Affordable Housing and Economic Development Organizations, and Community Advocates.

The Investigation Division investigates suspected fraud committed by insurance agents, brokers, public adjusters, bail agents, insurance companies and other individuals and entities transacting the business of insurance who perpetrate fraud against consumers.

Investigation Division Overview

Investigation Division Mission

"To protect California consumers by investigating suspected violations of laws and regulations pertaining to the business of insurance and seeking appropriate enforcement actions against violators."

To realize its mission, the Investigation Division is charged with enforcing applicable provisions of the California Insurance Code under authority granted by Section 12921 and to certify crimes of which the Commissioner has knowledge to appropriate prosecuting authorities pursuant to Insurance Code Sections 12928 and 12930. The Investigation Division pursues prosecution of offenders through both regulatory and criminal justice systems.

Effective enforcement of the insurance laws helps to safeguard consumers and insurers from economic loss and eliminate unethical conduct and criminal abuse in the insurance industry.

Administrative remedies available include restriction, suspension, and revocation of the licenses of those producers who are in violation of the provisions of the California Insurance Code. Additionally, other remedies include Cease and Desist orders, restitution, fines and penalties. Civil remedies include seizing and closing the business, ordering restitution, fines and penalties. Criminal remedies available are incarceration, probation, community service, restitution, fines and penalties.

The Investigation Division employs over 90 investigative and support staff that are assigned to seven regional offices statewide to handle the large volume of complaints that are filed. For major and complex cases, or when the need arises to ensure that offenders are prosecuted, the Division will partner with a number of other state and federal agencies, which include local law enforcement agencies, the Franchise Tax Board of the State of California, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).